Highlight the error. If there is no error, mark E.
1. Despite the home team's best effort, thevisitor'splayed hard and won by forty points.
2. The new carpenters on the TV design show, who are very knowledgeable in their fields, use many different power tools. E
Practice #2:
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. The singer's lyrics, which prompted much analysis, turned out to be nothing more than randomly assembled phrases from commercials the singer likes.
a. sinister b. reasonable c. cryptic d. divergent e. divulging
2. The needle of the pressure gauge indicated that an explosion was .
a. formidable b. ostensible c. imminent d. irreconcilable e. diametrical
Practice #3
Read the passage and chose the best answers to the questions that follow it.
(1) America is dependent on foreign oil, a fact that dismays many Americans. (2) Hybrid cars, most o which run on gasoline or diesel and electricity, can help America reduce its dependence on foreign oil. (3) They also reduce pollution. (4) Energy sources like electricity and solar power cut down on the harmful emissions that contribute to allergy-aggravating smog. (5) Lobbyists say that eventually hybrid cars will be just as affordable as gasoline-powered and diesel-powered vehicles. (6) However, the auto industry contends that the cost of research and development of hybrids will drive the price of the product higher than consumers will accept.
1. Which of the following is true about the author of the passage?
a. The author is probably sympathetic to the auto industry. b. The author is probably in favor of the use of hybrids.
c. The author is probably annoyed by lobbyists.
d. The author has probably participated in studies on the effectiveness of hybrid cars.
e. The author probably knows someone who purchased a hybrid.
2. The passage implies that many Americans
a. dislike the fact that the U.S. depends on foreign electricity and solar power
b. dislike the fact that U.S. is independent of foreign countries
c. appreciate the fact that lobbyists are working hard to reduce smog nationwide d. disapprove of America's reliance on foreign oil
e. have test-driven hybrids
Practice #4
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. The _ workers never held a job for more than a few weeks.
a. inseparable
b. transcendent c. transient
d. forthcoming
e. indispensable
2. The poor cousin tiptoes around the house with a meek, air.
a. simplistic
b. superior c. subliminal
d. subservient
e. subject
Practice #5
Complete the answer the most improves the underlined portion of the original sentence. If the original sentence does not have an error, choose (A).
1. The herd of zebras move across the plains of the Serengeti with speed and grace.
a. move b. moves
c. moved
d. moving
e. was moving
2. There once was a Roman emperor, who, did nothing but sit around all day long and feed the pigeons.
a. emperor, who,
b. emperor, whom,
c. emperor, that,
d. emperor, which, e. emperor who
Practice #6
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.
(1) It seems that every out-of-work celebrity ends up hosting a talk show. (2) Unfortunately, talk show careers usually last only a few months. (3) Usually these celebrity talk shows book other underemployed celebrities to come on as guests. (4) Talk shows often amount to nothing more than bad publicity for the hosts. (5) Therefore, as they say in show business, any publicity (even bad publicity) is good publicity.
1. Which of the following revisions does the paragraph most need?
(a) Add the word "typically" to sentences 4 and 5.
(b) Delete the word "usually" from several sentences.
(c) Place the last sentence of the paragraph at the beginning of the paragraph.
(d) Change the tense of the verbs to past tense.
(e) Change the tense of the verbs to future tense.
2. In the context of the paragraph, which of the following revisions does sentence 5 most need?
(a) Replace "Therefore" with "Whatever"
(b) Replace "Therefore" with "Still."
(c) Replace "is" with "was."
(d) Add a colon after "business."
(e) Offset "Therefore" with quotation marks.
Practice #7
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. Frank couldn't tell whether the columnist was being , or whether she was serious about her unusual opinions.
a. arcane
b. defunct
c. prolific
d. expository e. sarcastic
2. The company brought together its best engineers to _ on a plan that would _ the performance of many of its products. a. collaborate...enhance
b. perforate...improve
c. exasperate...deviate
d. exacerbate...confound
e. enervate...advance
Practice #8
(1) Nearly all scientists agree that global warming is melting the world's largest glacial structures and causing water levels to rise. (2) Researchers estimate that the earth's water levels, particularly, in seas and oceans, rise a fraction of an inch each year. (3) If the ice caps continue to melt, the gulf stream could be affected.
The term "glacial structures" most likely refers to which of the following?
a. frozen tundra b. polar ice caps
c. mountain ice and snow
d. intercontinental glaciers
e. frozen lakes
Practice #9
Choose the answer that most improves the underlined portion of the original sentence. If the original sentence does not have an error, choose (a).
1. Once the expiration date on the milk has passed, it would be prudent to dispose of the old milk. a. would be prudent to dispose
b. would have been prudent to have disposed
c. would be, prudent to dispose,
d. was prudent to dispose
e. might would be prudent to dispose
2. Jenny's piggy bank, fell from the shelf and shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. a. bank, fell
b. bank, falls
c. bank falls
d. bank that fell e. bank fell
Practice #10
If there is an error, choose the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.
1. The local veterinarian said he won't neverdo any medical work on an animal larger than a small horse or small cow because he didn't specialize in that type of medicine in college. No error.
2. Carol bought a brand new blanket for the baby, which was blue. No error.
Practice #11
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.
(1) There are many ways to figure out whether you will be successful at a particular endeavor. (2) One way to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors. (3) This could help you determine your odds of success. (4) Therefore, statistics are of only marginal assistance without smart analysis.
1. In the context of the paragraph, which of the following is the best revision for sentence 2?
a. One way to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors is:
b. One way, is to research the outcomes, of other similar endeavors. c. One way is to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
d. Some ways are to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
e. One way perhaps to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
2. Which of the following revisions does sentence 4 most need?
a. Replace "Therefore" with "Perhaps."
b. Replace "Therefore" with "However." c. Offset "without smart analysis" with commas.
d. Replace "are" with "were."
e. Remove the comma after "Therefore."
Practice #12
Read the passage and choose the best answer that follows it.
(1) If I could travel back in time and found any company or industry, I would choose the bottled water industry. (2) This industry has a brilliant strategy: take water that costs a few pennies, bottle it in plastic containers that cost a few pennies, and then sell it for about a dollar a bottle. (3) That is pure genius. (4) The best part is that many bottled waters are actually dirtier than tap water. (5) But because of clever marketing campaigns, most people think all bottled water comes from the purest mountain streams.
1. Which of the following is the main idea of the paragraph?
a. Consumers are so naive that industries often take advantage of them. b. The bottled water industry has a brilliant business plan.
c. The author would like to buy stock in bottled water companies.
d. The bottled water industry should be prosecuted.
e. The bottled water that most people enjoy is exactly the same as tape water in both taste and content.
Practice #13
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. The witness's statement originally seemed devastating for the defense, but things looked up when she on Thursday.
a. recanted b. recounted
c. reminisced
d. reminded
e. revisited
2. Despite the manythat greet each new novel he publishes, Mr. King remains remarkably.
a. awards...pompous b. accolades...humble
c. admonitions...pessimistic
d. honors...haughty
e. criticisms...defeated
Practice #14
If there is an error, choose the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.
1. Bess will mailthe package to her cousin in Atlanta fourteen long days before the fragile package arrived. No Error.
2. Video games have gotten more and more realistic every year; when I was a kid, for example, the most high-tech game is Pac-Man. No Error.
Practice #15
Read the passage and choose the best answer to the question that follows it.
(1) The local library has requested a fifteen percent increase in its budget for next year. (2) Without the additional funds, according to a library spokesperson, the library will not be able to expand its collection of literature. (3) Many people say that before the budget is approved, the community should be allowed to vote on the use of the funds. (4) Others oppose the increase because they argue that the growth of the local library will affect local merchants who sell books. (5) If local merchants lose sales, they say, the town will lose tax revenues, and everyone will suffer.
1. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following conclusions can be drawn?
a. Local business owners do not support the library. b. The library wants to buy more books.
c. The fifteen percent budgetary increase is relatively small.
d. The fifteen percent budgetary increase is relatively high.
e. The city's budget could be devastated because of a loss of revenue from local bookstores.
Practice #16
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. After listening to the prisoner's passionate pleas, Judge Jim decided to grant the man _ _.
a. platitude
b. vengeance
c. vulnerability
d. viscosity e. clemency
2. The _ clues were discovered when the famous detective conducted a _ investigation.
a. unmistakable...enthusiastic
b. mysterious...meticulous
c. shrouded...thorough d. hidden...thorough
e. faint...painstaking
Practice #17
Choose the answer the most improves the bolded portion of the original sentence.
1. She thought she had bought temporary dye; therefore, her hair was bright orange for three months, so it seemed she's made a mistake.
a. ; therefore, her hair
b. ; and, her hair
c. , and, her hair
d. ; thus, her hair e. , but her hair
2. Dogs are man's best friend, except when the dog scratches the sofa or soils the carpet. a. Dogs are man's best friend
b. Dogs are men's best friend
c. dogs are man's best friends
d. Dogs were man's best friend
e. A dog is man's best friend
practice #18
Read the passage and choose the best answer to the question that follows it.
(1) Meteorological technology has progressed in leaps and bounds in the last half-century. (2) Meteorologists today have access to instruments that scientists of days past could only dream of. (3) They use information gathered by satellites, airplanes, and high-tech gadgets and gizmos placed around the world. (4) In recent years, the technology of meteorology has improved, the science of meteorology has evolved. but one thing remains the same.
1. Based on the rest of the paragraph, which of the following is the best choice for the final sentence of the paragraph?
a. Therefore, meteorology must be the most precise science of the last half-century. b. The ability to predict the weather must also be improving.
c. The weather is still unpredictable.
d. The weather has changed over the last half-century, too, so the science of meteorology must continue to change.
e. Weather forecasts should return to school to earn their degrees in meteorology.
Practice #19
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.
1. The keynote speaker began his address with a humorous _ that was _ to his presentation.
a. anachronism...fortuitous
b. abbreviation...conditional
c. aberration...instructional
d. anomaly...enigmatic e. anecdote...relevant
2. The computer and software _ donated more than a million dollars to the ASPCA.
a. peon b. panhandler
c. pauper
d. typhoon
e. magnate
Practice #20
(1) Sunnydale High was very proud of its standardized test scores, which have risen steadily over the last ten years. (2) In contrast, test scores have actually declined in some school districts in the area. (3) Sunnydale's rising scores are evidence that Sunnydale High is doing a better job of educating students than other schools in the area. (4) The test scores also reflect well on the teachers.
1. Which revision does sentence 1 most need?
a. Replace "was" with "had been."
b. Replace "was" with "is."
c. Add "which" after "Sunnydale High."
d. Add "that" after Sunnydale High. e. Replace "its" with "their."
Practice #21
If there is an error, select the bolded part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.
1. The Joneses'schnauzer barked wildly inside her doghouse. No error.
2. The amateur hockey players who are going to try out for the Olympics in a few weeks includes several local superstars. No error.
Practice #22
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.
(1) Computer technology is advancing so quickly that computer users can hardly keep up without spending lots of money. (2) When someone purchases a top-of-the-line computer, he can be sure that after only a few weeks, his new computer will no longer be cutting edge. (3) A computer that cost over a thousand dollars ten years ago would probably fetch only a few dollars at a garage sale today. (4) Companies often stop providing tech support for programs that are only a few years old, making them even more impractical.
1. Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
a. There is no point in buying a computer.
b. Computers are smart investments for people hoping to resell them at a profit. c. Rapid advances in computer technology make it hard to stay up-to-date.
d. The cost of computers does not equal the power of computers.
e. It's best to shop for computers at garage sales.
2. Which of the following would be the best conclusion for the passage? a. People determined to stay up-to-date should be ready to spend quite a bit of money.
b. Buying computers is largely impractical.
c. People should purchase top-of-the-line computers if they can.
d. Someone who wanted to open a computer store would make millions if she sold new technology at low prices.
e. Someone insistent on buying a computer should expect either to spend a fortune or be stuck with inferior technology. none Optional: comment for page history
Practice #23
1. The morning exercise class and the afternoon yoga class attracted so many participants that the manager of the health club was forced to hire another exercise instructor and another yoga instructor.No error.
2. One of the main reasons cities have begun enforcing bans on smokingare to protect the health of those who do not smoke and to reduce air pollution. No error.
Practice #24
(1) The spirit of competition is often the ostensible reason that high schools offer competitive extracurricular activities. (2) However, one might argue that competitive activities really exist to generate revenue for the school and promote its name. (3) Sports like football and basketball draw thousands of people to the stands each year, generating profits for the school. (4) Other competitive activities, such as debate, showcase students for colleges and universities. (5) Such competitions are nothing more than free advertisement and shameless self-promotion for schools.
1. The author of the paragraph above can best be described as which of the following?
a. supportive of competitive extracurricular activities
b. cynical about the legitimacy of the results of competitions
c. supportive of schools' motivations for sponsoring competitive extracurricular activities d. cynical about schools' motivations for sponsoring competitive extracurricular activities
e. ambivalent about the role of competitive extracurricular activities.
2. In sentence 1, "ostensible" means
a. subversive
b. submersed c. apparent
d. contradictory
e. without reservation
Practice #25
Choose the error.
1. The new deli, on the corner with the great pastrami sandwiches, gets many of its customers from the office building across the street. No error
2. Maggie ran down the stairs, darted out the door, tripped over the skateboard, and scrapes her knee on the hard concrete. No error.
Practice #26
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the original sentence.
1. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy; we need a professional cleaning crew.
a. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy; we
b. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy: we
c. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy. We
d. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy because we
e. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy that we
2. My uncle played baseball in the minor leagues not only in the United States and in Japan.
a. not only in the United States and in Japan
b. not only in the United States after in Japan
c. not only in the United States and in Japan in addition
d. not only in the United States but also in Japan
e. not only just in the United States but also in Japan, too
Practice #27
(1) Before steam engines were used in the construction of railroads, railroad workers put down track by hand and then hammered the spikes. (2) According to legend, a man named John Henry could drive spikes faster than any other worker. (3) Eventually technology improved. (4) Steam power was applied to a device that drove spikes. (5) Promoters arranged for John Henry to compete in a railroad-spike-driving contest against the steam-powered device. (6) Ultimately, John Henry wins the competition.
1. Which of the following sentences is the best combination of sentence 3 and 4?
a. Eventually the technology was applied to the device that improved spike driving.
b. The spike-driving device eventually improved as the technology improved and steam power was applied. c. Technology improved, and a steam-powered device to drive spikes was invented.
d. As the spike-driving device became steam-powered, technology eventually evolved.
e. As steam technology eventually improved, spike-driving technology was applied.
2. Which of the following revisions does sentence 6 most need? a. Replace "wins" with "won."
b. Replace "wins" with "will win."
c. Remove the comma after "Ultimately."
d. Replace "Ultimately" with "Therefore."
e. Replace "Ultimately" with "Additionally."
Practice #28
1. The scholar believed it was his duty to _ the masses by telling them about his revolutionary _ .
a. deprecate...enigma
b. incarcerate...policy
c. subjugate...jargon d. enlighten...doctrine
e. dominate...proselytized
2. The career counselor says that in the current economy, it is _ to apply for several jobs instead of holding out for the ideal job.
a. reprehensible
b. gratifying c. prudent
d. indispensable
e. audacious
Practice #29
(1) Some people complain that film actors make too much money. (2) What these people don't understand is that most actors are worth their exorbitant salaries. (3) Even terrible movies can be salvaged by a great actor in a lead or supporting role, so it's no wonder that top actors command millions of dollars per movie. (4) If a movie that costs $150 million to make grosses $225 million because Hollywood's hottest leading man starred in it, that leading man's $5 million salary was a great investment. (5) People who complain about highly paid professions like actors and actresses simply haven't thought about the economics of making a hit film.
1. One can infer from the passage that great actors a. have a fair market value of $5 million
b. can overcome flawed scripts
c. pale in comparison to state-of-the-art special effects
d. drive hard-working people away from theaters
2. The author of the passage implies that those people who object to actors' high salaries
a. rarely go to the movies
b. are jealous of the actors' wealth
c. misunderstand the lifestyles actors must lead d. lack the business sense to comprehend the actors' true value
e. have no way of comprehending what $5 million can buy
Practice #30
Choose the error.
1. Me and her went to dinner, to the movies, to the coffee shop, and then to the lake to watch the sunrise. No error.
2. The scientist was flabbergasted when he read the final report, which verified that the element was made of string cheese. No error.
Practice #31
1. The residents of the _ region performed a rain dance and were rewarded with a _.
a. parched...heat b. scorched...validation
c. saturated...monsoon
d. arid...deluge
e. barren...consecration
2. The waitstaff always fights to serve Ms. Pratt, an extravagant tipper who is famous for her _.
a. miserliness
b. efficiency
c. deliberation d. largess
e. consternation
Practice #32
Choose the answer that most improves the portion in bold. 1. Determine to make his mark in the business world, Larry went to grad school to get his M.B.A.
a. Determine
b. Determination
c. By determining
d. Because of determining e. Determined
2. Remember that movie stars, however snotty and bratty they are now, was once a regular person just like everyone else.
a. was once a regular person
b. were once a regular person
c. was once regular people
d. once, as a regular person, e. were once regular people
Practice #33
(1) Despite the relative reluctance of Americans to adopt it, soccer is the most popular sport in the world and has been for several decades. (2) Soccer, which is called "football" in most places, has few rules compared with such sports as baseball. (3) Also, in contract to baseball and American football, soccer games have few pauses in the action. (4) Soccer scores aren't as high as scores are in American sports, but many people consider that an exciting feature of the game, because the occasional goal are that much more thrilling.
1. Which of the following is true of the paragraph?
a. The author likes soccer.
b. The author is not an American. c. The author presents the information in an objective manner.
d. The author is biased against American sports.
e. The author is biased against soccer.
2. Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
a. Soccer is more popular in Europe than American football is.
b. Soccer is a great sport, despite its unpopularity in America.
c. Baseball and basketball will need overhauls if they are to compete on the world stage with soccer. d. Soccer is an all-around better sport than any other in the world.
e. Soccer is the simplest sport in the world.
Practice #34
Choose the error.
1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
2. When Alicia arrived home, she found that the dogs had got into the trash and spilled it everywhere. No error
Practice #35
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.
1. I had a dream that I turned into a cartoon character and a guy with an eraser had chased me for hours.
a. had chased
b. have chased
c. did chase
d. chased
e. has chased
2. Silent movies use music, actors' expressions to convey emotions.
a. music, actors'
b. music, along with actors'
c. music, together with actors'
d. music but actors'
e. music and actors' none Optional: comment for page history
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Practice #34
Choose the error.
1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
2. When Alicia arrived home, she found that the dogs had got into the trash and spilled it everywhere. No error
Practice #35
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.
1. I had a dream that I turned into a cartoon character and a guy with an eraser had chased me for hours.
a. had chased
b. have chased
c. did chase
d. chased
e. has chased
2. Silent movies use music, actors' expressions to convey emotions.
a. music, actors'
b. music, along with actors'
c. music, together with actors'
d. music but actors'
e. music and actors'
Choose the error.
1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
Practice #36
(1) College tuitions are soaring, leaving many parents wondering if they will be able to afford higher education for their children. (2) Cutbacks in government aid combined with skyrocketing tuition are making it unfeasible even for families of moderate wealth to fully fund their children's educations. (3) In America, people say that you can be anything you want to be. (4) But getting an education is crucial if you hope to achieve the American dream.
1. With which of the following statements would the author of this passage most likely agree? a. The government should help students pay for college. b. The cost of a college education is unreasonable.
c. Borrowing money for college may be the answer to rising education costs.
d. An education is not necessary to succeed in America.
e. High school students should think twice about going to college.
2. In sentence 2, the word "unfeasible" means a. possible
b. unworkable
c. indescribable
d. indiscernible
e. irreconcilable
Practice #37
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.
1. Some of the most beautiful fish in the world are found not in either the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, but rather in my aquarium.
a. not in neither the Caribbean or the Mediterranean
b. not in either the Caribbean nor the Mediterranean
c. not in neither the Caribbean nor the Mediterranean
d. in neither the Caribbean or the Mediterranean e. neither in the Caribbean nor in the Mediterranean
2. The teacher always told the class that their's no such thing as a stupid question.
a. told the class that their's no such thing
b. told the class that their wasn't no such thing
c. told the class that theirs no such thing d. told the class that there is no such thing
e. told the class that there were no such things
Practice #38
Complete the sentence.
1. The priest's _ approach to the dilemma made sense even to the most confirmed .
a. enigmatic...optimist
b. reluctant...participant
c. influential...observer
d. sporadic...cynic e. pragmatic...skeptic
2. The _ violinist has been amazing audiences since she was thirteen years old.
a. financier
b. tycoon
c. philanthropist
d. recluse e. virtuoso
terms
Definitions
examples
Irony
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous effect.
an olympic swimmer drowns in the bathtub
Motivation
for doing something is what causes you to want to do it.
The lazy learner needs a bit of motivation to help him get through the pain of learning.
Dynamic characters
Dynamic characters tend to be more fully developed and described than flat or static, characters.dynamic character is someone who undergoes an important, internal change in the plot of the fiction.
alien in The Day the Earth Stood Still, he was sent to destroy the planet, but later saves it.
Comic relief
Comic relief means a release of emotional or other tension resulting from a comic episode interposed in the midst of serious or tragic elements in a drama.
humorous or farcical interlude in a serious literary work or drama, especially a tragedy, intended to relieve the dramatic tension or heighten the emotional impact by means of contrast.
Archetype
A very old imaginative pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages.
Accurate scholarship can
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Find what occurred at Linz,
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god
Paradox
A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a kind of truth.
"War is peace."
"Freedom is slavery."
"Ignorance is strength."
Symbol
something such as an object,written word, sound, or particular mark that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention.
A cross is the symbol of Christianity
inference
the act or process of deriving a logical consequence conclusion from premises.
aphorism
a concise statement containing a subjective truth or observation cleverly and pithily written
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
persuasion
It is a strategy of problem-solving relying on "appeals" rather than coercion
"In a republican nation, whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance."
rhetorical question
any question asked for a purpose other than to obtain the information the question asks
"Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who would want to live in an institution?"
allusion
figure of speech that makes a reference to, or representation of, a place, event, literary work, myth, or work of art.
"The girl's love of sweets was her Achilles heel"
analogy
a cognitive process of transferring information from a particular subject (the analogue or source) to another particular subject.
A street light is like a star.
anecdote
a short tale narrating an interesting or amusing biographical incident.
example would be brief story about something amusing or strange.
counterclaim
an opposing claim.
People might say god does not exist, but I know that.....
mood
1. a state of mind at a particular time
2. a suitable or necessary state of mind
3. a temporary grumpy state of mind
4. an atmosphere
I'm in a bad mood
I'm in a good mood
tone
a quality or character of the voice expressing a particular feeling or mood, etc.
tone down
allegory
a form of extended metaphor in which objects, persons, and actions in a narrative, are equated with the meanings that lie outside the narrative itself.
onomatopoeia
a word that imitates or suggests the source of the sound that it describes.
rhyme scheme
the pattern of rhyming lines in a poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhyme.
imagery
collection of images
free verse
various styles of poetry that are written without using a strict rhyme scheme, but still recognizable as poetry by virtue of complex patterns of one sort or another that readers will perceive to be part of a coherent whole.
cadence
a melodic configuration or series of chords marking the end of a phrase, section, or piece of music
stereotype
commonly held public belief about specific social groups, or types of individuals.
1. Girls have long hair
2. Asians are smart and good at math
3. blonds are dumb
Practice #1:
Highlight the error. If there is no error, mark E.1. Despite the home team's best effort, the visitor's played hard and won by forty points.
2. The new carpenters on the TV design show, who are very knowledgeable in their fields, use many different power tools.
E
Practice #2:
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. The singer's lyrics, which prompted much analysis, turned out to be nothing more than randomly assembled phrases from commercials the singer likes.
a. sinister b. reasonable c. cryptic d. divergent e. divulging
2. The needle of the pressure gauge indicated that an explosion was .
a. formidable b. ostensible c. imminent d. irreconcilable e. diametrical
Practice #3
Read the passage and chose the best answers to the questions that follow it.(1) America is dependent on foreign oil, a fact that dismays many Americans. (2) Hybrid cars, most o which run on gasoline or diesel and electricity, can help America reduce its dependence on foreign oil. (3) They also reduce pollution. (4) Energy sources like electricity and solar power cut down on the harmful emissions that contribute to allergy-aggravating smog. (5) Lobbyists say that eventually hybrid cars will be just as affordable as gasoline-powered and diesel-powered vehicles. (6) However, the auto industry contends that the cost of research and development of hybrids will drive the price of the product higher than consumers will accept.
1. Which of the following is true about the author of the passage?
a. The author is probably sympathetic to the auto industry.
b. The author is probably in favor of the use of hybrids.
c. The author is probably annoyed by lobbyists.
d. The author has probably participated in studies on the effectiveness of hybrid cars.
e. The author probably knows someone who purchased a hybrid.
2. The passage implies that many Americans
a. dislike the fact that the U.S. depends on foreign electricity and solar power
b. dislike the fact that U.S. is independent of foreign countries
c. appreciate the fact that lobbyists are working hard to reduce smog nationwide
d. disapprove of America's reliance on foreign oil
e. have test-driven hybrids
Practice #4
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. The _ workers never held a job for more than a few weeks.
a. inseparable
b. transcendent
c. transient
d. forthcoming
e. indispensable
2. The poor cousin tiptoes around the house with a meek, air.
a. simplistic
b. superior
c. subliminal
d. subservient
e. subject
Practice #5
Complete the answer the most improves the underlined portion of the original sentence. If the original sentence does not have an error, choose (A).1. The herd of zebras move across the plains of the Serengeti with speed and grace.
a. move
b. moves
c. moved
d. moving
e. was moving
2. There once was a Roman emperor, who, did nothing but sit around all day long and feed the pigeons.
a. emperor, who,
b. emperor, whom,
c. emperor, that,
d. emperor, which,
e. emperor who
Practice #6
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.(1) It seems that every out-of-work celebrity ends up hosting a talk show. (2) Unfortunately, talk show careers usually last only a few months. (3) Usually these celebrity talk shows book other underemployed celebrities to come on as guests. (4) Talk shows often amount to nothing more than bad publicity for the hosts. (5) Therefore, as they say in show business, any publicity (even bad publicity) is good publicity.
1. Which of the following revisions does the paragraph most need?
(a) Add the word "typically" to sentences 4 and 5.
(b) Delete the word "usually" from several sentences.
(c) Place the last sentence of the paragraph at the beginning of the paragraph.
(d) Change the tense of the verbs to past tense.
(e) Change the tense of the verbs to future tense.
2. In the context of the paragraph, which of the following revisions does sentence 5 most need?
(a) Replace "Therefore" with "Whatever"
(b) Replace "Therefore" with "Still."
(c) Replace "is" with "was."
(d) Add a colon after "business."
(e) Offset "Therefore" with quotation marks.
Practice #7
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. Frank couldn't tell whether the columnist was being , or whether she was serious about her unusual opinions.
a. arcane
b. defunct
c. prolific
d. expository
e. sarcastic
2. The company brought together its best engineers to _ on a plan that would _ the performance of many of its products.
a. collaborate...enhance
b. perforate...improve
c. exasperate...deviate
d. exacerbate...confound
e. enervate...advance
Practice #8
(1) Nearly all scientists agree that global warming is melting the world's largest glacial structures and causing water levels to rise. (2) Researchers estimate that the earth's water levels, particularly, in seas and oceans, rise a fraction of an inch each year. (3) If the ice caps continue to melt, the gulf stream could be affected.The term "glacial structures" most likely refers to which of the following?
a. frozen tundra
b. polar ice caps
c. mountain ice and snow
d. intercontinental glaciers
e. frozen lakes
Practice #9
Choose the answer that most improves the underlined portion of the original sentence. If the original sentence does not have an error, choose (a).1. Once the expiration date on the milk has passed, it would be prudent to dispose of the old milk.
a. would be prudent to dispose
b. would have been prudent to have disposed
c. would be, prudent to dispose,
d. was prudent to dispose
e. might would be prudent to dispose
2. Jenny's piggy bank, fell from the shelf and shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.
a. bank, fell
b. bank, falls
c. bank falls
d. bank that fell
e. bank fell
Practice #10
If there is an error, choose the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.1. The local veterinarian said he won't never do any medical work on an animal larger than a small horse or small cow because he didn't specialize in that type of medicine in college. No error.
2. Carol bought a brand new blanket for the baby, which was blue. No error.
Practice #11
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.(1) There are many ways to figure out whether you will be successful at a particular endeavor. (2) One way to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors. (3) This could help you determine your odds of success. (4) Therefore, statistics are of only marginal assistance without smart analysis.
1. In the context of the paragraph, which of the following is the best revision for sentence 2?
a. One way to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors is:
b. One way, is to research the outcomes, of other similar endeavors.
c. One way is to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
d. Some ways are to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
e. One way perhaps to research the outcomes of other similar endeavors.
2. Which of the following revisions does sentence 4 most need?
a. Replace "Therefore" with "Perhaps."
b. Replace "Therefore" with "However."
c. Offset "without smart analysis" with commas.
d. Replace "are" with "were."
e. Remove the comma after "Therefore."
Practice #12
Read the passage and choose the best answer that follows it.(1) If I could travel back in time and found any company or industry, I would choose the bottled water industry. (2) This industry has a brilliant strategy: take water that costs a few pennies, bottle it in plastic containers that cost a few pennies, and then sell it for about a dollar a bottle. (3) That is pure genius. (4) The best part is that many bottled waters are actually dirtier than tap water. (5) But because of clever marketing campaigns, most people think all bottled water comes from the purest mountain streams.
1. Which of the following is the main idea of the paragraph?
a. Consumers are so naive that industries often take advantage of them.
b. The bottled water industry has a brilliant business plan.
c. The author would like to buy stock in bottled water companies.
d. The bottled water industry should be prosecuted.
e. The bottled water that most people enjoy is exactly the same as tape water in both taste and content.
Practice #13
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. The witness's statement originally seemed devastating for the defense, but things looked up when she on Thursday.
a. recanted
b. recounted
c. reminisced
d. reminded
e. revisited
2. Despite the many that greet each new novel he publishes, Mr. King remains remarkably .
a. awards...pompous
b. accolades...humble
c. admonitions...pessimistic
d. honors...haughty
e. criticisms...defeated
Practice #14
If there is an error, choose the one underlined part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.1. Bess will mail the package to her cousin in Atlanta fourteen long days before the fragile package arrived. No Error.
2. Video games have gotten more and more realistic every year; when I was a kid, for example, the most high-tech game is Pac-Man. No Error.
Practice #15
Read the passage and choose the best answer to the question that follows it.(1) The local library has requested a fifteen percent increase in its budget for next year. (2) Without the additional funds, according to a library spokesperson, the library will not be able to expand its collection of literature. (3) Many people say that before the budget is approved, the community should be allowed to vote on the use of the funds. (4) Others oppose the increase because they argue that the growth of the local library will affect local merchants who sell books. (5) If local merchants lose sales, they say, the town will lose tax revenues, and everyone will suffer.
1. Based on the information in the passage, which of the following conclusions can be drawn?
a. Local business owners do not support the library.
b. The library wants to buy more books.
c. The fifteen percent budgetary increase is relatively small.
d. The fifteen percent budgetary increase is relatively high.
e. The city's budget could be devastated because of a loss of revenue from local bookstores.
Practice #16
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. After listening to the prisoner's passionate pleas, Judge Jim decided to grant the man _ _.
a. platitude
b. vengeance
c. vulnerability
d. viscosity
e. clemency
2. The _ clues were discovered when the famous detective conducted a _ investigation.
a. unmistakable...enthusiastic
b. mysterious...meticulous
c. shrouded...thorough
d. hidden...thorough
e. faint...painstaking
Practice #17
Choose the answer the most improves the bolded portion of the original sentence.1. She thought she had bought temporary dye; therefore, her hair was bright orange for three months, so it seemed she's made a mistake.
a. ; therefore, her hair
b. ; and, her hair
c. , and, her hair
d. ; thus, her hair
e. , but her hair
2. Dogs are man's best friend, except when the dog scratches the sofa or soils the carpet.
a. Dogs are man's best friend
b. Dogs are men's best friend
c. dogs are man's best friends
d. Dogs were man's best friend
e. A dog is man's best friend
practice #18
Read the passage and choose the best answer to the question that follows it.(1) Meteorological technology has progressed in leaps and bounds in the last half-century. (2) Meteorologists today have access to instruments that scientists of days past could only dream of. (3) They use information gathered by satellites, airplanes, and high-tech gadgets and gizmos placed around the world. (4) In recent years, the technology of meteorology has improved, the science of meteorology has evolved. but one thing remains the same.
1. Based on the rest of the paragraph, which of the following is the best choice for the final sentence of the paragraph?
a. Therefore, meteorology must be the most precise science of the last half-century.
b. The ability to predict the weather must also be improving.
c. The weather is still unpredictable.
d. The weather has changed over the last half-century, too, so the science of meteorology must continue to change.
e. Weather forecasts should return to school to earn their degrees in meteorology.
Practice #19
Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers.1. The keynote speaker began his address with a humorous _ that was _ to his presentation.
a. anachronism...fortuitous
b. abbreviation...conditional
c. aberration...instructional
d. anomaly...enigmatic
e. anecdote...relevant
2. The computer and software _ donated more than a million dollars to the ASPCA.
a. peon
b. panhandler
c. pauper
d. typhoon
e. magnate
Practice #20
(1) Sunnydale High was very proud of its standardized test scores, which have risen steadily over the last ten years. (2) In contrast, test scores have actually declined in some school districts in the area. (3) Sunnydale's rising scores are evidence that Sunnydale High is doing a better job of educating students than other schools in the area. (4) The test scores also reflect well on the teachers.1. Which revision does sentence 1 most need?
a. Replace "was" with "had been."
b. Replace "was" with "is."
c. Add "which" after "Sunnydale High."
d. Add "that" after Sunnydale High.
e. Replace "its" with "their."
Practice #21
If there is an error, select the bolded part that must be changed to make the sentence correct.1. The Joneses' schnauzer barked wildly inside her doghouse. No error.
2. The amateur hockey players who are going to try out for the Olympics in a few weeks includes several local superstars. No error.
Practice #22
Read the passage and choose the best answers to the questions that follow it.(1) Computer technology is advancing so quickly that computer users can hardly keep up without spending lots of money. (2) When someone purchases a top-of-the-line computer, he can be sure that after only a few weeks, his new computer will no longer be cutting edge. (3) A computer that cost over a thousand dollars ten years ago would probably fetch only a few dollars at a garage sale today. (4) Companies often stop providing tech support for programs that are only a few years old, making them even more impractical.
1. Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
a. There is no point in buying a computer.
b. Computers are smart investments for people hoping to resell them at a profit.
c. Rapid advances in computer technology make it hard to stay up-to-date.
d. The cost of computers does not equal the power of computers.
e. It's best to shop for computers at garage sales.
2. Which of the following would be the best conclusion for the passage?
a. People determined to stay up-to-date should be ready to spend quite a bit of money.
b. Buying computers is largely impractical.
c. People should purchase top-of-the-line computers if they can.
d. Someone who wanted to open a computer store would make millions if she sold new technology at low prices.
e. Someone insistent on buying a computer should expect either to spend a fortune or be stuck with inferior technology. none
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Practice #23
1. The morning exercise class and the afternoon yoga class attracted so many participants that the manager of the health club was forced to hire another exercise instructor and another yoga instructor. No error.2. One of the main reasons cities have begun enforcing bans on smoking are to protect the health of those who do not smoke and to reduce air pollution. No error.
Practice #24
(1) The spirit of competition is often the ostensible reason that high schools offer competitive extracurricular activities. (2) However, one might argue that competitive activities really exist to generate revenue for the school and promote its name. (3) Sports like football and basketball draw thousands of people to the stands each year, generating profits for the school. (4) Other competitive activities, such as debate, showcase students for colleges and universities. (5) Such competitions are nothing more than free advertisement and shameless self-promotion for schools.1. The author of the paragraph above can best be described as which of the following?
a. supportive of competitive extracurricular activities
b. cynical about the legitimacy of the results of competitions
c. supportive of schools' motivations for sponsoring competitive extracurricular activities
d. cynical about schools' motivations for sponsoring competitive extracurricular activities
e. ambivalent about the role of competitive extracurricular activities.
2. In sentence 1, "ostensible" means
a. subversive
b. submersed
c. apparent
d. contradictory
e. without reservation
Practice #25
Choose the error.1. The new deli, on the corner with the great pastrami sandwiches, gets many of its customers from the office building across the street. No error
2. Maggie ran down the stairs, darted out the door, tripped over the skateboard, and scrapes her knee on the hard concrete. No error.
Practice #26
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the original sentence.1. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy; we need a professional cleaning crew.
a. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy; we
b. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy: we
c. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy. We
d. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy because we
e. Sometimes the house gets so disorganized and messy that we
2. My uncle played baseball in the minor leagues not only in the United States and in Japan.
a. not only in the United States and in Japan
b. not only in the United States after in Japan
c. not only in the United States and in Japan in addition
d. not only in the United States but also in Japan
e. not only just in the United States but also in Japan, too
Practice #27
(1) Before steam engines were used in the construction of railroads, railroad workers put down track by hand and then hammered the spikes. (2) According to legend, a man named John Henry could drive spikes faster than any other worker. (3) Eventually technology improved. (4) Steam power was applied to a device that drove spikes. (5) Promoters arranged for John Henry to compete in a railroad-spike-driving contest against the steam-powered device. (6) Ultimately, John Henry wins the competition.1. Which of the following sentences is the best combination of sentence 3 and 4?
a. Eventually the technology was applied to the device that improved spike driving.
b. The spike-driving device eventually improved as the technology improved and steam power was applied.
c. Technology improved, and a steam-powered device to drive spikes was invented.
d. As the spike-driving device became steam-powered, technology eventually evolved.
e. As steam technology eventually improved, spike-driving technology was applied.
2. Which of the following revisions does sentence 6 most need?
a. Replace "wins" with "won."
b. Replace "wins" with "will win."
c. Remove the comma after "Ultimately."
d. Replace "Ultimately" with "Therefore."
e. Replace "Ultimately" with "Additionally."
Practice #28
1. The scholar believed it was his duty to _ the masses by telling them about his revolutionary _ .a. deprecate...enigma
b. incarcerate...policy
c. subjugate...jargon
d. enlighten...doctrine
e. dominate...proselytized
2. The career counselor says that in the current economy, it is _ to apply for several jobs instead of holding out for the ideal job.
a. reprehensible
b. gratifying
c. prudent
d. indispensable
e. audacious
Practice #29
(1) Some people complain that film actors make too much money. (2) What these people don't understand is that most actors are worth their exorbitant salaries. (3) Even terrible movies can be salvaged by a great actor in a lead or supporting role, so it's no wonder that top actors command millions of dollars per movie. (4) If a movie that costs $150 million to make grosses $225 million because Hollywood's hottest leading man starred in it, that leading man's $5 million salary was a great investment. (5) People who complain about highly paid professions like actors and actresses simply haven't thought about the economics of making a hit film.1. One can infer from the passage that great actors
a. have a fair market value of $5 million
b. can overcome flawed scripts
c. pale in comparison to state-of-the-art special effects
d. drive hard-working people away from theaters
2. The author of the passage implies that those people who object to actors' high salaries
a. rarely go to the movies
b. are jealous of the actors' wealth
c. misunderstand the lifestyles actors must lead
d. lack the business sense to comprehend the actors' true value
e. have no way of comprehending what $5 million can buy
Practice #30
Choose the error.1. Me and her went to dinner, to the movies, to the coffee shop, and then to the lake to watch the sunrise. No error.
2. The scientist was flabbergasted when he read the final report, which verified that the element was made of string cheese. No error.
Practice #31
1. The residents of the _ region performed a rain dance and were rewarded with a _.
a. parched...heat
b. scorched...validation
c. saturated...monsoon
d. arid...deluge
e. barren...consecration
2. The waitstaff always fights to serve Ms. Pratt, an extravagant tipper who is famous for her _.
a. miserliness
b. efficiency
c. deliberation
d. largess
e. consternation
Practice #32
Choose the answer that most improves the portion in bold.1. Determine to make his mark in the business world, Larry went to grad school to get his M.B.A.
a. Determine
b. Determination
c. By determining
d. Because of determining
e. Determined
2. Remember that movie stars, however snotty and bratty they are now, was once a regular person just like everyone else.
a. was once a regular person
b. were once a regular person
c. was once regular people
d. once, as a regular person,
e. were once regular people
Practice #33
(1) Despite the relative reluctance of Americans to adopt it, soccer is the most popular sport in the world and has been for several decades. (2) Soccer, which is called "football" in most places, has few rules compared with such sports as baseball. (3) Also, in contract to baseball and American football, soccer games have few pauses in the action. (4) Soccer scores aren't as high as scores are in American sports, but many people consider that an exciting feature of the game, because the occasional goal are that much more thrilling.1. Which of the following is true of the paragraph?
a. The author likes soccer.
b. The author is not an American.
c. The author presents the information in an objective manner.
d. The author is biased against American sports.
e. The author is biased against soccer.
2. Which of the following is the main idea of the passage?
a. Soccer is more popular in Europe than American football is.
b. Soccer is a great sport, despite its unpopularity in America.
c. Baseball and basketball will need overhauls if they are to compete on the world stage with soccer.
d. Soccer is an all-around better sport than any other in the world.
e. Soccer is the simplest sport in the world.
Practice #34
Choose the error.1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
2. When Alicia arrived home, she found that the dogs had got into the trash and spilled it everywhere. No error
Practice #35
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.1. I had a dream that I turned into a cartoon character and a guy with an eraser had chased me for hours.
a. had chased
b. have chased
c. did chase
d. chased
e. has chased
2. Silent movies use music, actors' expressions to convey emotions.
a. music, actors'
b. music, along with actors'
c. music, together with actors'
d. music but actors'
e. music and actors' none
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[[SAT Practice#|Looking for tags?]]
Practice #34
Choose the error.1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
2. When Alicia arrived home, she found that the dogs had got into the trash and spilled it everywhere. No error
Practice #35
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.1. I had a dream that I turned into a cartoon character and a guy with an eraser had chased me for hours.
a. had chased
b. have chased
c. did chase
d. chased
e. has chased
2. Silent movies use music, actors' expressions to convey emotions.
a. music, actors'
b. music, along with actors'
c. music, together with actors'
d. music but actors'
e. music and actors'
Choose the error.
1. People shouldn't never pump gas while a car's engine is running, because of the possibility of a spark causing a fire. No error
Practice #36
(1) College tuitions are soaring, leaving many parents wondering if they will be able to afford higher education for their children. (2) Cutbacks in government aid combined with skyrocketing tuition are making it unfeasible even for families of moderate wealth to fully fund their children's educations. (3) In America, people say that you can be anything you want to be. (4) But getting an education is crucial if you hope to achieve the American dream.1. With which of the following statements would the author of this passage most likely agree?
a. The government should help students pay for college.
b. The cost of a college education is unreasonable.
c. Borrowing money for college may be the answer to rising education costs.
d. An education is not necessary to succeed in America.
e. High school students should think twice about going to college.
2. In sentence 2, the word "unfeasible" means
a. possible
b. unworkable
c. indescribable
d. indiscernible
e. irreconcilable
Practice #37
Choose the answer that most improves the bolded portion of the sentence.1. Some of the most beautiful fish in the world are found not in either the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, but rather in my aquarium.
a. not in neither the Caribbean or the Mediterranean
b. not in either the Caribbean nor the Mediterranean
c. not in neither the Caribbean nor the Mediterranean
d. in neither the Caribbean or the Mediterranean
e. neither in the Caribbean nor in the Mediterranean
2. The teacher always told the class that their's no such thing as a stupid question.
a. told the class that their's no such thing
b. told the class that their wasn't no such thing
c. told the class that theirs no such thing
d. told the class that there is no such thing
e. told the class that there were no such things
Practice #38
Complete the sentence.1. The priest's _ approach to the dilemma made sense even to the most confirmed .
a. enigmatic...optimist
b. reluctant...participant
c. influential...observer
d. sporadic...cynic
e. pragmatic...skeptic
2. The _ violinist has been amazing audiences since she was thirteen years old.
a. financier
b. tycoon
c. philanthropist
d. recluse
e. virtuoso
Unearth the whole offence
From Luther until now
That has driven a culture mad,
Find what occurred at Linz,
What huge imago made
A psychopathic god
"Freedom is slavery."
"Ignorance is strength."
2. a suitable or necessary state of mind
3. a temporary grumpy state of mind
4. an atmosphere
I'm in a good mood
2. Asians are smart and good at math
3. blonds are dumb